A passion for caregiving

Tricia Widenhoefertricia widenhoefer

Trine University - Brooks College of Health Professions
B.A., biology, M.S., physical therapy, University of Indianapolis, DPT, University of Montana
260.702.8022 | email

When I was young, I knew I wanted to care for others, and the physical therapy profession has allowed me to do just that. After graduating from physical therapy school, I started working in acute care, skilled nursing, and inpatient rehabilitation at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. As a caregiver, I could truly make a difference in the lives of others. I found my passion for working with patients with brain injury and obtained my brain injury specialty certification in 2008. My love for patients and customer service continued to grow as I transitioned into a leadership role.  As the Rehab manager at Parkview Regional Medical Center, I was able to care not only for the patients but for my co-workers as well. In 2016, I transitioned to Trine, where I now share my patient care and leadership experiences with students, hopefully instilling in them that same love of caregiving and passion for helping others. I currently serve as a member of the Trine University Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Service Excellence Committee, the DPT program Student Success Committee, and Vice President of the Fort Wayne Area Interprofessional Education Consortium. I work in Acute Care for a few hours a month and obtained my certified stroke rehabilitation specialty in 2019.  

As Director of Clinical Education for full-time clinicals, I think I have the best job here! I enjoy getting to know students and their personalities and helping them create an individualized clinical education plan. I also appreciate their honesty and creativity during class and hope they gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the type of physical therapist they want to become. While spending time with our clinical partners, I get to see our students in action, meet new people, and help community members connect. Finally, I feel blessed to work with incredible faculty who want the best for the students and each other.

When not working, I love spending time with my husband, Matt, our children, Grant, Graham, and Grace, and our dog, Leo. I like to walk, travel, read, bake, shop, and volunteer.